Both my two dogs and two cats, (these two are brothers), sniff each others' butts; why? Is it their way to say hi? To introduce themselves? My pets have been together for more than 5 years now. Or do they like the way it feels on both the giving and receiving ends?
I wish I were a dog or a cat...they are so lucky... they could lick themselves too probably because they can :)
2007-09-25 18:21:43 · 15 answers · asked by OpenAndy 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Since our two dogs sniff each other daily and sometimes
more than once, I'd have to guess that they are learning the
status of the others' health and welfare. When our little one was in heat,the older dog was sniffing her so often during the day. She was unfamiliar with that smell, since she was spayed early. We'd rescued the little one, just prior to her second heat.
Now the older one sniffs, and washes the face of the little one.
Mothering it, in fact. The little one kisses back, but does not
lick and wash the older ones' face. With other dogs small
like herself, the older Chi tries to sniff the other dogs rear.
And that is to check out what the other dog is, male or female
and it seems to help them decide whether to become friendly.
2007-09-25 18:56:32 · answer #1 · answered by Lynn 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cats, like many other animals, use smell to identify others. Each cat his own distinct smell which identifies it from other cats. Cats do not rely just on sight for identification. I had two litter mates and when one was outside and the other inside, the cats would hiss at each other through the glass. They would only stop when they could smell each other to confirm the identification of a friend and not an invader!
2016-04-06 01:30:16 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Butt sniffing is to pets what hand shaking is to humans.
Sniffing each other gives valuable information on each other's health, breeding readiness (for intact animals), and lots of other information.
Ever looked at a stranger and wondered what they want? Animals can smell another animal's "intentions" and "business".
Ever looked at a loved one and wondered how they're feeling and what they're thinking? Animals know by smell.
If men were given the ability to lick their own genitals, the world as we know it would come to a complete stand still. Nothing would get done, they'd stay home and lick themselves. Heck, they'd go to the park and lick themselves.
2007-09-25 18:31:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 9⤊ 1⤋
Contrary to popular belief this isn't a 'hello'. It's a way of checking the other dog's/cat's 'stats'. Gender, or their health, or strength. Its amazing how much the scent of urine and scat(Which obviously lingers in this area) can tell another canine/feline.
It's like someone shaking your hand to judge your strength, and looking into your eyes to find your drive, And listening to the way you talk to see how smart you are. Basically, its the animal equivilant of hello, yes, but that's not really the purpose.
2007-09-25 18:30:11 · answer #4 · answered by ami.mutt 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's their way of shaking hands :-). I'm glad I'm not a dog or a cat because I don't want to smell anyone's butt.
2007-09-25 19:32:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Didn't ya ever watch Dr. Dolittle? The dogs sniff because thats how they say hello.
2007-09-25 18:38:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Identification
2007-09-25 18:33:16 · answer #7 · answered by PawPrintz 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yep, pretty much the doggie-equivalent of how we humans shake hands and say "hi, how are ya?"!
2007-09-25 18:29:50 · answer #8 · answered by * 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The quest for information.
2007-09-25 18:33:20 · answer #9 · answered by Caninelegion 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
THEY ARE CHECKING TO SEE IF THE OTHER ONE HAS CLEANED HIMSELF/HERSELF PROPERLY. IF THEY HAVEN'T CLEANED THEMSELVES PROPERLY, THE SNIFFER GETS TO BITE THE BUTT OF THE SNIFFED. YOU CAN PRETEND YOU ARE A DOG OR CAT AND SNIFF OTHER PEOPLES BUTTS IF YOU WISH.
2007-09-25 18:38:56 · answer #10 · answered by chapes 4 · 2⤊ 4⤋